Project Toolbox (?)

[Falcury]

Version 1.0.2 of Project Toolbox has been released (http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/downloads/info.php?levelID=4189)!

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Original post
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Some time ago, Kuba showed me how to write programs in Delphi with memory editing, etc. Using Delphi, I put together CashKeep 2 in a couple of days and uploaded it on J2O.

That was about a week ago. At the time of writing: zero comments.

Now, I'm planning to make another utility for JJ2 which is going to be called Project Toolbox. Now, I want to know whether there is actually a demand for this kind of program, because if there's not, I'm not going to bother to make it.

I'm planning on including the following features in Project Toolbox:

Inter-level coin (and trigger) transfers
I've already made a program for these coin transfers. Info & download here (http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/downloads/info.php?levelID=4138).

Countdown shield for a danger zone
Using trigger zones the author of the level determines a danger zone, a safe zone and an end of shield zone. If you enter the danger zone without a special shield, you will die immediately. Using a trigger crate, you get a specified amount of time of protection to get through the danger zone.

Level selection
In JCS, you can set a next level, a secret level and a bonus level. With the level selection feature in Project Toolbox, you can either hit a hotkey (1-9,0) or break a trigger crate to set the next level and be taken there.

New powers
When you break a certain trigger crate, you can double double jump with Spaz, or an extra weapon is enabled (for example one of the turrets that come out of one of the shields).


So now my question: Would anyone actually use this to create cool level packs or would my time be wasted?

[BattleSpaz]

You know what. The time you use to do that wouldnt be wasted. I can think hundreads of ways to use that program! That would add many ways to make better single player episodes! So keep making it ;)

[Pako]

I'm planning on including the following features in Project Toolbox:

Inter-level coin (and trigger) transfers
I've already made a program for these coin transfers. Info & download here (http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/downloads/info.php?levelID=4138).
Hotels and coin-finding levels!
Countdown shield for a danger zone
Using trigger zones the author of the level determines a danger zone, a safe zone and an end of shield zone. If you enter the danger zone without a special shield, you will die immediately. Using a trigger crate, you get a specified amount of time of protection to get through the danger zone.
Lava/Fire/Acid/Unbreathable water/Laser/Stealth stuff!
Level selection
In JCS, you can set a next level, a secret level and a bonus level. With the level selection feature in Project Toolbox, you can either hit a hotkey (1-9,0) or break a trigger crate to set the next level and be taken there.
Multiple choices!
New powers
When you break a certain trigger crate, you can double double jump with Spaz, or an extra weapon is enabled (for example one of the turrets that come out of one of the shields).
Crashbandicootish boss levels (On Crash Bandicoot bosses, you get a special power when you defeat them)!
So now my question: Would anyone actually use this to create cool level packs or would my time be wasted? No. Your time wouldn't be wasted.

[Fawriel]

....if this is really possible, what are you still waiting for? D=

[Xobim]

It's a bad idea to waste revolutionairy ideas...

[cooba]

While this sounds neat, I can't say I'd endorse this stuff, since as a levelmaker I prefer .J2L based gameplay solutions ;).

[n00b]

Some time ago, Kuba showed me how to write programs in Delphi with memory editing, etc. Using Delphi, I put together CashKeep 2 in a couple of days and uploaded it on J2O.

That was about a week ago. At the time of writing: zero comments.

Now, I'm planning to make another utility for JJ2 which is going to be called Project Toolbox. Now, I want to know whether there is actually a demand for this kind of program, because if there's not, I'm not going to bother to make it.

I'm planning on including the following features in Project Toolbox:

Inter-level coin (and trigger) transfers
I've already made a program for these coin transfers. Info & download here (http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/downloads/info.php?levelID=4138).

Countdown shield for a danger zone
Using trigger zones the author of the level determines a danger zone, a safe zone and an end of shield zone. If you enter the danger zone without a special shield, you will die immediately. Using a trigger crate, you get a specified amount of time of protection to get through the danger zone.

Level selection
In JCS, you can set a next level, a secret level and a bonus level. With the level selection feature in Project Toolbox, you can either hit a hotkey (1-9,0) or break a trigger crate to set the next level and be taken there.

New powers
When you break a certain trigger crate, you can double double jump with Spaz, or an extra weapon is enabled (for example one of the turrets that come out of one of the shields).


So now my question: Would anyone actually use this to create cool level packs or would my time be wasted?

I defiently would use the New Powers, Level Selection, and Coin Transfer, If only to show this program's power.

[BattleSpaz]

So, now you have heard our reviews, go making it ready so we can use it!

[cooba]

But what about those who can do such stuff without any help from a program? Their knowledge will go to waste! :(

[jam]

Falcury, this sounds amazing! Make it quick! =D

[n00b]

But what about those who can do such stuff without any help from a program? Their knowledge will go to waste! :(
The coin keeper and Level selection seem nigh impossible to do in the JCS.

[Sonyk]

But what about those who can do such stuff without any help from a program? Their knowledge will go to waste! :(I'm all for destroying those who mock others with their superior knowledge of JJ2.

[cooba]

I'm all for destroying those who mock others with their superior knowledge of JJ2.<you want to destroy yourself?>It's just that people don't ask the "others" to share, which I'm willing to do anytime.The coin keeper and Level selection seem nigh impossible to do in the JCS.Level selection, albeit from being limited to two levels (I don't think people need more than two exits?), is doable. And as for keeping the coins, it's also possible, even if you need a fixed amount of coins to make it work.

[n00b]

Theres the problem. It's doable but not flexible enough that it could be used for any real pratical application. A level selection hub with only 2 selections sounds pretty lame.

Also, I was considering more keeping any coins, not a fixed number. I'm aware thats possible, whats not possible is keeping whatever coins you happen to find, even if it's not all of them.

[Sonyk]

(I don't think people need more than two exits?)What if you're making an overworld of sorts? Two exits is kind of limited, and having a lot of levels just to have many paths through a city is kind of annoying to make.

[FQuist]

Seems things like this would be more flexible if they were part of a scripting language.

[Neobeo]

Seems things like this would be more flexible if they were part of a scripting language.
Seconded.

And while I'm at it, I might as well verify some details. Does the "double double jump" refer to a quadruple jump or a triple jump?

[Pako]

Does the "double double jump" refer to a quadruple jump or a triple jump? To a quadruple jump, of course. 2x2=4.

[Birdie]

Inter-level coin (and trigger) transfers
I've already made a program for these coin transfers. Info & download here (http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/downloads/info.php?levelID=4138).

Countdown shield for a danger zone
Using trigger zones the author of the level determines a danger zone, a safe zone and an end of shield zone. If you enter the danger zone without a special shield, you will die immediately. Using a trigger crate, you get a specified amount of time of protection to get through the danger zone.

New powers
When you break a certain trigger crate, you can double double jump with Spaz, or an extra weapon is enabled (for example one of the turrets that come out of one of the shields).


So now my question: Would anyone actually use this to create cool level packs or would my time be wasted?
None of these would work in multiplayer without everyone running the program.:(

[Falcury]

Thanks for your feedback!

And while I'm at it, I might as well verify some details. Does the "double double jump" refer to a quadruple jump or a triple jump?

I was planning on making a triple jump. A quadruple or quintuple jump seems to be a bit too much.

Any other functions you would like to see implemented in the program?

[Birdie]

Any other functions you would like to see implemented in the program?
MultiPlayer Workedness. :(

[ThunderPX]

MultiPlayer Workedness. :(

Gameplay is based on the server's version of events, so wouldn't it work anyway?

(ex. Birdie's PC says "birdie does a sidekick"
server's PC says "no he doesn't because I disabled sidekicks")

[Birdie]

(ex. Birdie's PC says "birdie does a sidekick"
server's PC says "no he doesn't because I disabled sidekicks")
Not really, My games memory still thinks I did the side kick so I still send the sidekick packets.

[Xobim]

But what about those who can do such stuff without any help from a program? Their knowledge will go to waste! :(
That program is for the impossible things. I don't think it is possible for a level to remember coins or activated triggers...

[Falcury]

About people running the program in multiplayer...
You could restrict people from entering the hosted level, unless they have the utility running. The program would enable a certain trigger, which you can use in the level to block out those who aren't running the utility (that is, giving them a link to where they can download it).

[Pako]

Any other functions you would like to see implemented in the program? 1.) Being able to edit water's color.
2.) Engines for new gametypes (for example, Team Battle or Ground Force).
3.) Dancing letters in the name.
4.) Ability to put more than 15 text trigger things.

[Birdie]

1.) Being able to edit water's color.
2.) Engines for new gametypes (for example, Team Battle or Ground Force).
3.) Dancing letters in the name.
4.) Ability to put more than 15 text trigger things.
All of witch can't be done with memory editing you know pako,
Exept for water color that already works in 8-bit :D

[Pako]

All of witch can't be done with memory editing you know pako,
Exept for water color that already works in 8-bit :D Even the dancing letters in the name? Can you please show that (and make an exe and post it here if it's possible)?

[Birdie]

Even the dancing letters in the name? Can you please show that (and make an exe and post it here if it's possible)?
If you mean dancing letters as in the moving letters? Also I said it wasn't possbile :p

[Pako]

If you mean dancing letters as in the moving letters? Also I said it wasn't possbile :p
You didn't... you said that about THE WATER, not the dancing letters...

[jam]

All of witch can't be done
...

[Pako]

Oh, I thought he said "can"...

[Birdie]

<b>Birdie'd</b>
:D

[Pako]

Birdie'd
:D *Jam'd
:mad:

[Grytolle]

Even the dancing letters in the name? Can you please show that (and make an exe and post it here if it's possible)?I can make dancing letters in name! Did it to Veg once in a 2v2, he was very annoyed ;p

[Pako]

I can make dancing letters in name! Did it to Veg once in a 2v2, he was very annoyed ;p
Cool! :D How can I do that?

[Grytolle]

Script that constantly renames to different §'s

[Birdie]

Script that constantly renames to different §'s
they wern't really dancing like pako meant though.

[Pako]

they wern't really dancing like pako meant though.
However, that would be dancing anyways.

[cooba]

...I can only wonder why would one want to use dancing letters in his/her name. Stupid colors aren't enough to draw attention?

[Birdie]

...I can only wonder why would one want to use dancing letters in his/her name. Stupid colors aren't enough to draw attention?
lawl.

[Pako]

...I can only wonder why would one want to use dancing letters in his/her name. Stupid colors aren't enough to draw attention? It's not to get attention, it's because I like it... Pageclaim!

[Birdie]

It's not to get attention, it's because it's cool... Pageclaim!
Its not cool, it is totaly lame.

[Pako]

Its not cool, it is totaly lame.
Ok, then:
It's not to get attention, it's because I like it...
Better?

[n00b]

What if no one else likes it?

[Falcury]

I don't think dancing letters are that much of an option for Project Toolbox. I think it'd be quite annoying, not being able to read anyone's name anymore.

[Grytolle]

Please note that the solution is server side :p

[Hare]

I dunno. it would be kind of cool to have the letters do "the wave". you know, go from lowercase to capital then back again. Kinda gives it the bling bling. Couple that with color alternating and you've got a shiny shimmering sparkly. Possibly could be abused or overdone? Yes. Yes it could.

[Pako]

Ok, now to the thing I was saying and isn't that annoying: letters in the name that move like the ones of the text events.

[cooba]

Ok, now to the thing I was saying and isn't that annoying: letters in the name that move like the ones of the text events.No, that's what we are all talking about. As in, that's a good way to make your name look really dumb.

[R3ptile]

Kinda gives it the bling bling.
.....man, give up..

[Stijn]

You know, r3p, "bling bling" is a relatively common and general term and does not always indicate a reference to you.

[Chiyu]

"Bling bling" has even been recognised as an official "Dutch" word. ;S

[Grytolle]

Haha, that's stupid! It's obviously two words, however repeated.

[Falcury]

An update on Project Toolbox:

I've discovered that the JCS.ini hack doesn't actually give access to over a million triggers; which is quite a bit of a problem for CashKeep. CashKeep will operate at trigger 53971, but also at 19, 51, 83, etc.
Luckily, I've found a great solution that opens the way to PT being more user friendly. No more triggers! At least, not with coins & trigger transfers. I'm going to use ambient sounds in order to determine whether the functions are enabled or not.

What I've made and works well so far:

- Inter-level coin and trigger transfers (without hitting a trigger crate, warping etc.)
- Trigger crate endbosses (use lasers or TNT to break the crates - yes, I'm going to legalize the laser, at least in these endboss levels.:D)

What I'll be working on the near future:

- perfecting abovementioned endboss system. I'm going to make the required amount of hits selectable - 5/10/25/50 hits, any need for more?
- Making the level selection feature
- Making a way to select the laser weapon (Weapon 0)

What I'm probably not going to make:

- countdown shield
- triple jump
Maybe in a later version...

[BattleSpaz]

An update on Project Toolbox:

I've discovered that the JCS.ini hack doesn't actually give access to over a million triggers; which is quite a bit of a problem for CashKeep. CashKeep will operate at trigger 53971, but also at 19, 51, 83, etc.
Luckily, I've found a great solution that opens the way to PT being more user friendly. No more triggers! At least, not with coins & trigger transfers. I'm going to use ambient sounds in order to determine whether the functions are enabled or not.

What I've made and works well so far:

- Inter-level coin and trigger transfers (without hitting a trigger crate, warping etc.)
- Trigger crate endbosses (use lasers or TNT to break the crates - yes, I'm going to legalize the laser, at least in these endboss levels.:D)

What I'll be working on the near future:

- perfecting abovementioned endboss system. I'm going to make the required amount of hits selectable - 5/10/25/50 hits, any need for more?
- Making the level selection feature
- Making a way to select the laser weapon (Weapon 0)

What I'm probably not going to make:

- countdown shield
- triple jump
Maybe in a later version...

But those would rock :(
And I really wait for this program... :)
And if you can make those hits required to destroy boss selectable, (Box with number of hits) Or atleast add 100 hits.

[cooba]

200/500 hits?

[R3ptile]

what is countdown shield

[Pako]

what is countdown shield
Countdown shield for a danger zone
Using trigger zones the author of the level determines a danger zone, a safe zone and an end of shield zone. If you enter the danger zone without a special shield, you will die immediately. Using a trigger crate, you get a specified amount of time of protection to get through the danger zone.
<tag></tag>

[R3ptile]

that's "countdown shield for a danger zone", not just "countdown shield"

[cooba]

that's "countdown shield for a danger zone", not just "countdown shield"Same thing...

[Falcury]

Project Toolbox has been released (http://www.jazz2online.com/J2Ov2/downloads/info.php?levelID=4189)!

[cooba]

Now every unskilled levelmaker may rejoice.

[Stijn]

Not all of its features are possible without the program, Cooba.

[Fawriel]

Not to mention that knowing how to do all that fancy stuff doesn't have much to do with skill.

[DoubleGJ]

For unskilled or not, I am impressed. I am going to make a good use of it... in future time... or maybe even soon.

[n00b]

"Let's make a level select hub!"
"Let's use Toolbox!"
"No way, only unskilled losers use that"
"Um, but wouldn't it be better than having to roate through 8 levels?"
"No. It'd be unskilled"
"Ok... Let's have ingame shops!"
"Ok, but we can't use Project toolbox, so the feature becomes redundant."

If you can't tell, Cooba is the 'Skilled Levelmaker' suggesting the horrible gameplay ideas which don't use Toolbox

[Falcury]

Has anyone tried Project Toolbox already (except Bloodrabbit)? As always, I'm getting little or no comments/reviews. If PTB works for you, could you please report it working? Or provide constructive criticism that will help me to make PTB better?
Thank you!

[Pako]

Has anyone tried Project Toolbox already (except Bloodrabbit)? As always, I'm getting little or no comments/reviews. If PTB works for you, could you please report it working? Or provide constructive criticism that will help me to make PTB better?
Thank you! That Countdown Shield thing would be pretty useful for lots of things. It can use AreaIDs for dangerous zones, since they're unused (except for Rocket Turtle, who almost nobody uses).

[Falcury]

Nah, AreaIDs aren't detectable in the memory because they don't trigger anything when you walk over them. I'm thinking of using Trigger Rocks though for such things.

I've updated Project Toolbox to version 1.0.1 - the biggest new thing is that it now checks automatically for updates, so you don't have to check the downloads section every once in a while.

I'm going to work on Toolbox 2.

[Xplosive]

A very helpful device falcury,Im looking forward to toolbox 2

[Falcury]

I have released another update to Project Toolbox. Now is the time to check whether the automatic updating function works :)

I have added the ability to choose to transfer either coins or triggers to the next level. Also, I have built in a mechnism that saves your triggers at each checkpoint. This way, they won't get reset when you die. There are some minor improvements as well.